DIY: A hoof conditioner you can also use

There are a lot of options out there for hoof conditioners. But sometimes it’s hard to decipher exactly what the ingredients are and just because it smells good doesn’t mean it’s doing anything to benefit your horse’s feet. Here is an easy to make conditioner you can make at home and the benefits of each ingredient.

Coconut oil

Raw virgin coconut oil is the number one ingredient for our do-it-yourself hoof conditioner. Actually, it could be the only ingredient if you so choose. Coconut oil includes linoleic acid that creates a natural barrier to the environment. It also contains almost 50% of hydrating antimicrobial lauric acid.

This DIY hoof conditioner doesn’t need a brush or gloves to apply. Go ahead, use your hands. Coconut oil has wonderful benefits for dry, chapped skin.

What you add to your base (coconut oil) depends on your preference. The hoof wall benefits from ingredients that help the hoof retain moisture. But the hoof wall does not absorb vitamins or nearly any moisture from anything you apply to it. The coronary band is the one place where moisture can be increased and vitamins may help. Since the conditioner you are making is mild enough for your hands it is also mild enough for your horse’s coronary band. It’s important to understand this when selecting additional ingredients. Here are some suggestions and the benefits of each.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is antimicrobial and great at eliminating and preventing bacterial issues in the hoof. Surface cracks and nail holes are great places for bacteria to hide and multiply. Adding Tea Tree Oil to your hoof conditioner helps the hoof stay healthy and strong.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is another antimicrobial oil. In humans, it can be used on nail fungus. Eucalyptus can also help improve blood flow if applied to the hairline and coronary band of the hoof.

Aloe Vera Gel

When you chose to add Aloe Vera, be sure that it is a cold-processed inner leaf. Studies have shown that feeding horses Aloe Vera improves hoof growth. So it might be better to feed this ingredient than put it directly on the hoof. If added to your conditioner, it will help soften overly dry cracked hooves and heal damage to the coronary band.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil is not really an oil. It’s a wax ester. This means it has a similar structure to the skin’s naturally produced moisturizer, sebum. This helps retain moisture in the hoof. It’s also loaded with antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A and E that keep the coronary band healthy and strong.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is great for your skin and will provide some protection of the hoof from damage and ultraviolet radiation. On the coronary band, it can help replenish moisture and speed healing.

Mixing your hoof condition

Coconut oil is not a liquid at room temperature. Well, I guess it depends on the time of year. It will liquify at 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Warming it slightly on the stove will make it easier to mix in your other ingredients and pure it into the container you intend to keep it in.

Applying your hoof conditioner

Like I said earlier, go ahead and use your hands. All ingredients recommended above are also good for your skin, cuticles, and nails. These oils don’t have a lot of stay-proof. Adding beeswax to your hoof conditioner can thicken it and the wax will make it last a little longer. But even without the beeswax, just apply as often as needed to gain the results you are seeking.

Let’s do this!

Okay, here are quick links to all you need. Remember, the coconut oil is fantastic. Everything else you add is just a bonus.